Hope floats

Molecular discovery could pave way for MS cure

People suffering from Multiple Sclerosis (MS) may have found a new reason to hope thanks to the discovery of a new molecule which may be the key to creating a drug that can cure the debilitating disease.

Dr. Ana Martinez, research professor at the Spanish National Council for Research (CSIC) and chief scientific officer of Ankar Pharma, a Spanish-Filipino Biotech company specializing in neurodegenerative diseases was recently in the country to share more of the good news.

Ankar Pharma major shareholders (from left) Jose Maria Olbes,Dr. Carmen Gil, and Dr. Ana Martinez.

It is a first-in-class small molecule with a dual innovative mechanism of action and high activity in preclinical models. It has shown high activity in all key components associated to MS. It is able to decrease the clinical symptoms, it reduces inflammation, and it increases neuroprotection and remyelinazation, says Dr. Martinez who is quite known in her field for several successful molecule discoveries in the area of neurological diseases some of which have been patented and are being developed by several pharmaceutical companies.

According to Dr. Martinez, MS is one of the worlds most common neurological disorders. In many countries, it is the leading cause of non-traumatic disability in young adults. As MS damages the brain nerves and spinal cord, its first indications manifest through inflammation of the optic nerve that may result to pain and temporary vision loss. The patient may also suffer from muscle weaknesses in extremities and difficulty for coordination and balance, spacity and fatigue, cognitive impairment, paresthesia and loss of sensation, speech impediments, tremors, dizziness, and hearing loss.

More frequent in women than in men, the estimated number of people with MS has increased to 2.3 million in 2013, figures that may double given a good diagnosis.

To this day, the cause of multiple sclerosis is unknown neither is it clear why MS develops in some people and not in others. Risk factors ranging from genetics to childhood infections are still being looked into.

Life expectancy in MS patients is close to normal thanks to many recent advances in drug treatment. The molecular discovery of Dr. Martinez is a welcome addition. The question now is how long should people wait for the drug to be out in the market.

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Hope floats